The Wilmington Hammerheads will play host to a Holiday Hoopla – a free event open to the public, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. December 9 at Legion Stadium.

The festivities will include a free youth clinic for kids, meet-and-greet opportunities with players and Hammerheads gear and merchandise for sale at a discounted rate.

The Hammerheads Holiday Hoopla has been developed in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. New, unwrapped toys will be collected and distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the Wilmington.

Toys for Tots will also accept monetary donations. Reportedly, 97 percent of all proceeds are used to purchase new toys. The Hammerheads organization is encouraging all fans attending the event to donate a toy. Those who donate will receive one general admission youth ticket to the team’s 2013 home opener.

From 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hammerheads will also be conducting a player combine, open for public viewing. Current Hammerheads players and potential players for the 2013 USL PRO season will be on hand.

The Hammerheads holiday gift sale will begin at 12:00 noon at the entrance of Legion Stadium, and 2013 season tickets will also be available for purchase.

The free youth clinic is slated for 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., for children between the ages of 5 and 12.

About This Blog

I am Vince Nairn, coming to the StarNews after spending the first 24 years of my life in Ohio. I interned at the StarNews in 2010 and enjoyed a summer covering rugby, surfing, triathlons: The whole package. I grew up a few miles west of Cleveland and graduated from Ohio University (the Bobcats, not the Buckeyes) in 2011. I am here to be your point man for all the community sports in the Wilmington area. Email me at Vince.Nairn@starnewsonline.com.

Tom Grady has been the StarNews Hammerheads beat writer since the 2002 USL season. He’s followed the Second Division club through two appearances in the national championship game and the 2003 title.

Kick your way back here often for updates on Wilmington’s professional soccer team.